Bullfrogs & Butterflies

Do you ever feel like you were last to be chosen? Like when you were in elementary school, and you were last to be picked for kick ball. It probably had little to do with skills, but more to do with popularity, and that could hurt even more! We go through life wondering if we are good enough. Good enough to be chosen for kick ball, good enough to be friends with the popular kids, good enough for that first job out of college, good enough for the guy you want to marry, and the list goes on and on. We could stress ourselves out over this issue. But for a moment, we need to stop this cycle. We need to look at ourselves inside and out, and tell that inner child that you are good enough. That God loves us for who we are, not for who we wish we were. He made us in His image. He created us individually with unique talents and abilities. No, you will not be like “Mary Ann”, you will be like You! The one He uniquely created! We all have things we can and should change, but realize today, that you are “good enough”, and be thankful for the “you” that God created! Now, get up and make this day special you fabulous you!

So, you never know what the weather will be like in South Texas. This weekend was warm and sunny, and even though I should have waited till after the freeze date, I just had to get in the yard! It was such a beautiful day, so I cleaned up my side yard, or fairy garden as I like to call it! My plans were going to be inside crafting, but the sun called me out! Just being in God’s beautiful world can be such a pleasure. Enjoy those moments and be thankful! God bless your day!

As the old year passes, and the new year begins, let us look back over all the sweet memories we had. Do not dwell on old hurts, but leave them on God’s lap. Let this new year be a year of new beginnings! The year to change bad habits, make healthy choices, find new passions, and embrace the ups and downs of life. Be thankful for what you have and pleased with your talents. They are unique to you! Tell yourself that you are special, and encourage yourself to be better at whatever it is. Life is short...use it well...and enjoy every minute! Happy New Year! Make it a good one!

I love the nostalgia of a real tree! The smell when you walk into your home, the warmth it gives your room, and even the quirkiness of the uneven branches. This year, due to an early season Christmas party, I decided to get a fake tree, so that I knew I could turn on the lights on Christmas Day without worrying about it being too dry. I actually found a really pretty one at Walmart, and the cost was right since I was thinking this might just be for this season. It was so easy with the lights already attached and all! So, the tradition of going every year to find that perfect tree, hauling it home, and spending most of one day decorating it, may be lost to the ease and cost of a fake tree. Plus, It pays for itself in two years. And as I get older, this tree makes more sense. As far as the lack of tree smell, I offset it with Pier 1’s Holiday Forest. Yummy! So, enjoy the season, and remember this is all fluff anyway because the reason we celebrate this season has nothing to do with real or fake trees, but everything to do with the birth of a special child, who changed our world for real!

Sometimes as we go through life, we need to take a hard look at how we are growing. Are we on a mission that is so dead set that we cannot handle the twists and turns of life, or are we like this tree that is growing in all directions, ready to take on new challenges, and grow were we need to grow? Notice it is supported in places just like times when we need a little help from family and friends. When life gets heavy, it is okay to lean on others, but keep growing. Don’t let your growth stop there, but realize that God is in every situation, and like the tree, you grow into a beautiful living thing if you allow yourself to lean on God and the friends and family he put in your life!

So, it has been a long time since I have written anything. I let my insecurities get in the way of what I felt God had planned for me. I let what people say or do affect what I felt like God was saying! My dream is to create. What is your dream? Do you let others tell you that you are not good enough when your Holy Father is telling you that He chose you for this work? Whatever it is! Working with children, helping the elderly, baking for others, or like me creating something that is from the heart. I challenge you today to not let others dictate your calling! Figure out what God called you to do, and do it well! He will guide you through it! Take courage, say a prayer, and step out into this world stronger allowing God to lead! Have a blessed day!

As I was thinking about what to name this post, “a light unto my world” came to mind. When I created the lampshade, it wasn’t to have a deep discussion about being a light to our world, it was just a fun project I wanted to do, but funny how God works!

First, let me tell you how to make this lamp shade. I tore strips of fabric long enough to wrap around the wire base with about seven extra inches, so it could be tied in a knot. I tore different fabrics until I had enough to overlap around the top. Then, because the bottom is usually wider than the top, it left gaps, so I tore pieces of different fabrics around seven inches to tie around exposed wire.

Then, I fluffed up the fabrics around the knots, so they looked more like trim. I used red, white, and blues because my den has denim-looking couches and red handkerchief valances. Think how sweet pinks would be for a little girl’s room.

So, back to my original thought. We are to be “light unto the world”. The Bible said it, and I believe it! Our “world” may be a sick child, a neighbor seeking help, or a conference room full of executives. We are to shine so that others want to know why we are different. We are to be a light to a world that sometimes can be very dark! I urge you today, to make a difference in someone’s world, and shine your light that only God can give you!

Funny how God closes doors sometimes! I decided to quit substitute teaching because I wasn’t making that much money, plus, I could save around $5000 if I painted the house myself. So, as you saw in a previous post, I started painting the house. I finished the front when my shoulders started really hurting. I have aggravated my rotator cuffs! Yes, both of them to the point that I cannot lift my arms up without a sharp pain. No, comments on age here! I had painted another house ten years before, so I thought I could still do it! Anyway, before my contractor knew I was hurting, he asked if he could finish it for me. Interesting timing, but now I will let him. I believe God closed that door. I always seem to put wedges in those doors I am to walk though. So, since I can’t lift my arms high, I got back into my craft room and got busy. I got a call from a friend for a Mother’s Day wreath, and it got me going again. So, I have posted more wreaths for sale. They are $50 each.

Spring is here after what seems like a long winter for all of us. I know we are spoiled here in the south because many people are still getting snow...crazy, right?! Anyway, I love the spring and all the wildflowers, which show their beautiful faces this time of year!

I was in Round Top with some sweet friends shopping for anything quirky that I could put my spin on, (and I found a carload), and we had to pullover to take pictures. It was a beautiful warm day, then we froze the next...all part of our crazy weather this year!

I feel spring is a renewing of our hearts and minds. We seem to slow down a little, and appreciate the beauty around us! It is a time to clean out, dust off our outdoor furniture, and enjoy life. Breathe in the beautiful warm air and live! Have a wonderful day...and go outside and spend some time in God’s creation!

I am happy to say that I have finished painting the front of my house! After moving in to our “old” new house, I was ready to put my touch on it. I loved the way it was white with dark grey shutters and a burgundy door, but I wanted to freshen it up. So, I chose Timid White by Benjamin Moore, Rustoleum’s Black in semi gloss for the shutters, and Benjamin Moore’s Heritage Red for the door. I love the way it turned out!

The shutters were in pretty bad shape. After all, the House was built in 1945, so the shutters may have been that old, too! I had to rebuilt the bottom of one of them, and use lots of caulk. Hopefully, they will stand up to the elements for years to come! The next time the house needs to be painted, I will probably be too old to do it! Now, on to the flower beds! Talk to you soon!

Hi, I am Sharon Farmer. I am married, have a great son and sweet daughter-in-law, my parents moved down here years ago, so we share a house (Mom passed away almost two years ago now), and I am ready for a change in my life....hence the blog!